Scenes from an Urban Underworld

In the chapter, Scenes from an Urban Underworld, Thorin Roberts focuses on hostel accommodation in Durban. He offers ‘thick descriptions’ of four shelters based on visits in 2002-2003. Thorin draws on a series of conversations with key informants—hostel managers and employees—as well as personal observations, creating a sense of ‘being there’. Not only is his writing style anecdotal and chatty, but in the first person, reflecting upon his own feelings and reactions.

Reference:
Roberts, Thorin. 'Scenes from an Urban Underworld', in Rob Pattman and Sultan Khan (Eds.), Undressing Durban (Durban: Madiba Press, 2007), pp. 213-226.